Doug Barrett
Director of Leadership Development
Stop…What are you listening to right now?
Did you ever take the time to think about what you are listening to on a daily basis? What music, TV show, conversation, or soap box are you allowing to go into your thoughts? And how are those ideas and thoughts driving your actions? What is your source of audio? What is your source of counsel?
One of the determining factors on my choice of coffee shops is the background music. I love jazz! And I find it amazing how you can feel the emotions and gain a picture of the song through the use of the instruments. But jazz just won’t cut it when I am sitting down and trying to discern the best course of action to implement a new strategy or vision. So I turn to wise counsel, just like it says in Proverbs 1. Not just any counsel, but wise counsel - because anyone can give you an opinion. And yes, many times my wise counsel is found in the men and women of faith that continue to invest in me and encourage me to become the man that God has called me to be. But the wisest counsel out there is by the best-selling author of all time…our Creator! Take a look at what The Word says about what it means to listen…
“Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are
anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what
you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the
mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what
they look like.”
(James 1: 22-24,The Message)
I love how James challenges us in the first chapter of his letter to truly listen…and then act on what we hear through The Word. I truly believe that as Christians, we have the ultimate source of wise counsel – The Word. But how many times do we turn to it? How many times do we let it be our audio? Now…unless you are listening to an audio bible on CD, MP3 or 8-track…you may not physically hear The Word. But…when you spend time in The Word and seek out wise counsel you will be equipped, corrected and taught actions of faith, just like it is written in 2 Timothy 3:16.
So what or who is your wise council? Let the Word and the men and women of faith in your life continue to speak to you. And listen…and don’t walk away from the mirror and forget who you are! It may not always be what we like to hear…but it will continue to grow our faith and character!
I pray that God continues to open our ears so we can hear His voice and give us the strength, courage and energy to follow up with actions of faith!
God is blessing you…
Doug
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